Dark Chocolate Strawberry Shortcakes with Amaretto Cream

Ever start off making something in the kitchen and when you’re all done, you realize you may have gone a little overboard and ended up with something completely different? Ok, maybe it’s just me and I’m just the crazy one. I started off making strawberry shortcakes, I SWEAR. Yep, just plain-old-simple-but-good strawberry shortcake. But next thing I knew I was taking out the chocolate chips, cocoa powder, and Amaretto! Maybe I am crazy, because I really think they were all calling my name from the cupboard…

Next thing I knew I ended up with 2 very tall family-size Dark Chocolate Strawberry Shortcakes with Amaretto Cream! Just because I love you all SO much I used up every last drop of Amaretto I had in my house. Frangelico or other flavored liqueurs would be great too or leave it out and use milk. You could also make smaller shortcakes if you don’t want to make large ones.  These were incredible! These shortcakes are definitely big enough to share with your loved ones, or just eat one all by yourself. Your secret will be safe with me!  This would be a great Mother’s Day dessert this weekend!

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I used a food processor for the shortcake, but you can make everything in a bowl.

I added the butter to the food processor but you can cut it in with a fork, knife, or pastry cutter.

I used Hershey’s dark chocolate chips and dark cocoa powder but you can use semi-sweet chocolate chips and original cocoa powder if you don’t like dark chocolate.

The recipe makes 6 large shortcakes but you can make 12 small ones just be sure to adjust the time.

While the shortcakes are baking, start making the cream.  I used Philadelphia cream cheese and Jell-O vanilla instant pudding mix, but you can use other flavors of pudding such as chocolate or coconut.  Make sure the cream cheese is nice and soft so that the mixture won’t be lumpy.  Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour or two until a firmer consistency.

When everything is done, start assembling and serve!  Garnish with some whipped topping/cream and strawberries if desired!

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Dark Chocolate Strawberry Shortcakes with Amaretto Cream
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Recipe type: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Author:
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: Makes 2 large (or 4 small)
A chocolate twist to the class strawberry shortcake.
Ingredients
  • ⅔ cup milk
  • ⅓ cup dark chocolate chips (or semi-sweet)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup sugar
  • ⅓ cup dark unsweetened cocoa powder (or original)
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup unsalted cold butter, chopped
Cream:

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 (3.4oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
  • ¼ cup Amaretto (or substitute other liqueur or milk)
  • 1½ cups milk
  • 8 ounces defrosted frozen whipped topping or sweetened whipped cream
  • 4 cups sliced strawberries
  • Garnish (optional): whipped topping/cream & strawberries
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or silpat (or grease pan well).
  2. Place ⅔ cup milk and dark chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high in 30 second intervals, stirring after each interval, until smooth. Stir in vanilla. Cool.
  3. Meanwhile, add flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt into food processor (or large bowl), and process until combined (or whisk together if not using processor). Add butter and process until just combined (or cut in with fork if not using a food processor).
  4. While food processor is running, slowly add milk and chocolate chip mixture until just combined (or stir in until just combined if making in a bowl).
  5. Spoon mixture into 6 large circles (or 12 small) onto prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until set (or about 8-12 minutes for small). Cool on wire racks.
  6. Meanwhile, in large bowl mix together cream cheese and pudding mix with electric mixer on medium speed until well combined. Mix in Amaretto and milk until well combined. Fold in whipped topping. Cover and refrigerate for about 1-2 hours or until firm.
  7. To assemble, place a chocolate shortcake on serving plate then top with cream, strawberries; repeat layers ending with a chocolate shortcake. Top with whipped topping/cream and strawberries if desired.
Notes
SNAPPY TIPS: You can make smaller shortcakes rather than the 6 large shortcakes. Adjust time as needed.

SNAPPY SUBSTITUTIONS: If you don’t like dark chocolate, substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips and original unsweetened cocoa powder. Instead of Amaretto you could use any liqueur or milk. Substitute your favorite flavor of instant vanilla pudding for the vanilla such as chocolate or coconut.

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32 thoughts on “Dark Chocolate Strawberry Shortcakes with Amaretto Cream

        1. Snappy Gourmet

          Thanks Sue Ann! Hope you enjoy it! Grand Marnier is a great idea! I was thinking of trying Frangelico next time. So many ideas, so little time. :)

          Reply
    1. Snappy Gourmet

      I’m so with you Sherry! I LOVE dark chocolate and amaretto! These turned out WAY better than I would have thought! Hope you enjoy!

      Reply
  1. Sarah M

    Do you think the cream and shortcakes could be made in advance and then assembled before serving several days later?

    Reply
    1. Snappy Gourmet

      Hi Sarah! The cream would definitely last a few days. The shortcakes would be fine, but may be a little drier. I would suggest wrapping them tightly in some kind of plastic wrap and in an airtight container. Once you put the cream on them, they won’t taste as dry so I’m sure they’d be fine. If they do appear to dry to your taste, I would suggest brushing a little more Amaretto over them! Can’t go wrong with a little more Amaretto! :) Hope you enjoy!

      Reply
  2. Beth

    I am new to your blog – happy to have found it! Today is my chocolate-loving husband’s birthday, I think I will need to make these tonight!

    Reply
    1. Snappy Gourmet

      Beth, I’m so jealous that you have a chocolate-loving husband!!! :) Mine unfortunately is not a huge fan of chocolate but he did love these (thanks to the cream filling) and I think he was even licking his plate when I turned my head!! Happy Birthday to your husband! Let me know how he likes them!

      Reply
  3. Tina

    New visitor from Pioneer Woman. LOVED the shortcakes! I made them for a party today, and they were DIVINE! Being out of amaretto, I used additional milk and a teaspoon of vanilla bean paste. I layered them with one shortcake, filling, strawberries, soft whipped cream with chocolate curls on top. They were picture perfect and tasted out of this world. Thank you for sharing your recipe!

    Reply
    1. Snappy Gourmet

      Hi Tina! Thank you so much for letting me know how much you enjoyed them!! Made my day!! And thanks for visiting my site! :)

      Reply
    1. Snappy Gourmet

      I totally agree Alecia! How can anyone not likedark chocolate! :) Hope you enjoy the shortcakes!

      Reply
  4. Roxanne Hill

    Tried this out on my girl friends at a retreat this weekend. Absolutely the best strawberry shortcake we all have had!Everyone wanted the recipe!

    Reply
    1. Snappy Gourmet

      Roxanne, that is just the nicest comment ever! Thank you for making my day! I just started blogging a few months ago and feel like I’m just getting warmed up! :) Hope you visit again or join us on facebook. Thanks again!!!

      Reply

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